ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), working under the National Heritage and Culture Division, Government of Pakistan, organised a ceremony on August 18, 2026, to launch the Urdu translation of Prison Diary, the poetic work of Ho Chi Minh, the renowned Vietnamese revolutionary leader, poet and founder of modern Vietnam.<\/p>\n
The event was held at the Sheikh Ayaz Conference Hall of the Pakistan Academy of Letters in Islamabad. It was attended by diplomatic representatives from various ASEAN countries, as well as writers, intellectuals and literary personalities.<\/p>\n
His Excellency Phan Anh Toan, Ambassador of Vietnam, was among the distinguished guests. The ceremony was also attended by the Ambassador of Thailand, High Commissioner of Malaysia, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, Ambassador of Cuba, Charge d\u2019Affaires of Indonesia and Charge d\u2019Affaires of Myanmar.<\/p>\n
Welcoming the guests and diplomatic representatives, Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters Prof Dr Najiba Arif said Prison Diary was not only the account of a revolutionary leader but also a poetic expression of human freedom, hope, courage and determination.<\/p>\n
She said the Urdu translation had been completed under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Pakistan Academy of Letters and Vietnam, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening literary and cultural cooperation between the two countries.<\/p>\n
Prof Dr Najiba Arif also expressed her resolve to further promote literary ties with ASEAN countries. At the end of her address, she led Fateha for renowned writer, poet and intellectual Haleem Qureshi, who had passed away a day earlier, and paid tribute to his valuable literary services.<\/p>\n
Prof Munir Fayyaz and former Ambassador Salahuddin Chaudhry spoke on different aspects of Prison Diary, Ho Chi Minh\u2019s personality, poetry and struggle. They also presented selected verses from the book.<\/p>\n
Presiding over the session, Imdad Akash described Ho Chi Minh as a symbol of courage, resistance and freedom for oppressed nations and recited selected verses from the work.<\/p>\n
In his remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador Phan Anh Toan thanked Dr Najiba Arif and the Pakistan Academy of Letters. He said Ho Chi Minh\u2019s poetry reflected Vietnamese national thought, freedom and sovereignty.<\/p>\n
The Ambassador described the Urdu and English translations of Prison Diary as an important development in promoting literary relations between Pakistan and Vietnam.<\/p>\n
Prison Diary is regarded as one of the significant literary works of the twentieth century. The book gives poetic expression to imprisonment, loneliness and human suffering, while also highlighting freedom, hope, courage and unwavering determination.<\/p>\n
The Urdu translation has been rendered by Ms Kausar Khanum, while Ms Najma Saqib carried out its revision.<\/p>\n
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Ambassador Phan Anh Toan presented commemorative gifts to the Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, speakers and organisers. Dr Najiba Arif presented gift packages containing publications of the Pakistan Academy of Letters to the distinguished guests.<\/p>\n
After the ceremony, the diplomatic representatives and distinguished guests visited the book exhibition and cultural stall arranged by the Embassy of Vietnam at the Pakistan Academy of Letters. They were introduced to books highlighting Vietnam\u2019s rich literary and cultural heritage, along with various cultural artifacts.<\/p>\n
The ceremony reinforced the commitment to promoting literary and cultural cooperation, mutual understanding and stronger ties among Pakistan, Vietnam and ASEAN countries.<\/p>\n
Pakistan expert on Vietnam and Editor of Pakistan in the World, Mr Tazeen Akhtar, welcomed the translation of Vietnamese literature into Urdu. He noted that the first translation from the work of the first and top leader of Vietnam was an important point.<\/p>\n
He viewed it as an inspiration for the people of Pakistan in general and Pakistani politicians in particular to read and learn how nations rise from difficult conditions and how their leaders guide them towards success and achievements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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